New photos suggest that Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS), which recently became visible to the naked eye, might be disintegrating after being heated by its close approach to the Sun. The comet's coma has dimmed significantly and a bright 'streamer' has appeared in its tail, indicating possible gas and dust leakage. While it's too early to confirm its fate, this development comes as a surprise as initial observations after perihelion suggested the comet had remained intact.
The ultimate action-packed science and technology magazine bursting with exciting information about the universeEngaging articles, amazing illustrations & exclusive interviewsComet C/2024 G3 was recently visible to the naked eye across the globe. This photo was taken in Argentina shortly after it reached its closest point to the sun.
The photos also showed a bright streak of light, or"streamer," in the comet's tail, which is a sign that large amounts of gas and dust are leaking out of the comet, potentially via new cracks in its nucleus. Photos taken from Chile show that the comet's nucleus, or head, has lost its brightness. The comet has also developed a bright"streamer" in its tail.The latest development is surprising, considering that initial observations of the comet after perihelion suggested it had remained unaffected by its"near-death encounter with the Sun,", a French engineer and amateur astronomer, suggested that the comet's coma might lose brightness between Jan. 19 and Jan.
Harry is a U.K.-based senior staff writer at Live Science. He studied marine biology at the University of Exeter before training to become a journalist. He covers a wide range of topics including space exploration, planetary science, space weather, climate change, animal behavior and paleontology. His recent work on the solar maximum won"best space submission" at the and was shortlisted in the"top scoop" category at the NCTJ Awards for Excellence in 2023.
COMET ATLAS SPACE WEATHER SOLAR RADIATION COMET FRAGMENTATION ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY
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